Post-doctoral position (M/F) in molten salt chemistry for recycling of zirconium from nuclear hulls

Job Description

Missions

At the nuclear reactor outlet, the hulls are covered by an inner and outer zirconium oxide layer. The inner one contains most of the radioactivity (actinides and fission products) and in itself contribute to the global radioactivity of the material. To decontaminate these materials, a solution is to remove these oxidized superficial layers by a treatment in a molten salt bath. Following a PhD thesis carried out at the laboratory and focusing on the solubility of metal oxides, a molten salt has been chosen for its capacity to solubilize the zirconium oxide layer but also for its recyclability. A multi-stage process was developed by some stages need to be optimized. All this research was developed under the framework FR2030 REGAIN (Nuclear hulls recycling) in which CNRS, Orano, CEA and Framatome are involved.

In order to implement the technology proposed during the PhD thesis at a larger scale, some points still need to be explored in greater depth. The research program will focus on the following points:
1- Reactivity of zirconium and contaminants with the molten salt,
2- Stability of the molten salt throughout the various cycles carried out,
3- The choice of materials reactor (for the zirconia dissolution)

Activity

1- Reactivity of zirconium and contaminants with the molten salt,
2- Stability of the molten salt throughout the various cycles carried out,
3- The choice of materials reactor (for the zirconia dissolution)

Your Profil

Skills

Candidates with a background in solid-state chemistry and/or materials science, and an interest in experimental work and the subject area of this project. Experience in the field of molten salts would be an advantage.

Your Work Environment

The Catalysis and Solid-State Chemistry Unit (UCCS) is a joint research unit established in 2006. Based primarily on the Villeneuve d'Ascq Science Park, it conducts research in the fields of energy, sustainable development and the environment (https://uccs.univ-lille.fr/index.php/fr/). To carry out these activities, the unit comprises fourteen research teams organised into three departments. The Chemistry, Materials and Processes for Sustainable Energy (CIMEND) team will be the lead team for the project. It comprises academic researchers conducting research into the recycling and recovery of products resulting from nuclear fission, such as fuels, ceramics and metals. It combines expertise in actinide chemistry, crystallochemistry and advanced solid-state characterisation. It possesses in-depth knowledge of the fuel cycle, acquired through numerous partnerships with industry and major players in the French nuclear sector (Orano, Framatome, CEA, ANDRA) as part of PhD theses and research projects. To carry out its work, the team has access to a wide range of instrumentation housed within facilities or platforms, some of which are shared with other laboratories on the Chevreul Institute site.

Constraints and risks

Nothing special

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3071,50€ et 3501,51€ before taxes deduction

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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